Gift of Discernment

Written by James Nored

Discernment

Discernment—This gift equips one to know instinctively what is going on beyond the surface, whether of a situation or an individual. Those with the gift of discernment have the ability to determine genuineness or phoniness. An example of leading through discernment would be a person judging that someone wants to be in a position of leadership out of a wrong motive (1 Jn. 4:1-3).

Discernment- Are good judges of character- Are able to understand different personality types- Are aware of things that go on under the surface in people and situations- Can quickly recognize authenticity and see through falsity- Can sense the Spirit’s working (forces of good) and Satan’s attacks (forces of evil)

Application Application for World/Workplace/Neighborhood Settings- Serve on hiring committees- Warn co-workers when a situation or person would be harmful for them- Be alert to destructive spiritual forces in the lives of children's friends' families or neighbors and pray and warn then when you sense a spiritual attack- Tell co-workers or neighbors where you see that God is working positively in their lives

Application for Church Ministry- Always be looking for people who might be good at a particular ministry or leadership role, note their good qualities, and share what you discern with them or with church leaders- When people are put up for leadership, be alert to any false motives or lack of character- Help leaders put together ministry teams or suggest people to recruit for a ministry role

Application for Family- Be alert to spiritual attacks against your spouse, marriage, children, or other family relationships and warn family members when you see Satan or others attacking- When making important decisions or meeting with people for the first time, share your intuitive insights with your family- Look for and note positive people or situations that you can direct family members to

Testimony/Example of Those Who Have Used This Gift:Kevin, real estate agent, married, father of two young children--“My gift of Discernment is most apparent when I’m having a conversation with someone. I have a way of knowing whether the words they speak are sincere or empty. I do best when I have a conversation with one person at a time and not in a group setting. I give my full attention to the other person, and I put a lot of energy into studying their behavior. I read body language, listen to how words are emphasized, pick up on hesitation in sentences, and I key into tones. From these clues along with their words I’m able to recognize what’s most meaningful to them, what they have passion for, and where their heart is. I can tell what their true motives really are, and if the words they speak match up with their feelings.